Predicting the New York Mets' 2013 Starting Rotation

Starting pitching has always been a strong suit of the New York Mets. After injuries to players like Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and Dillon Gee this season, the Mets will look to have an even bigger pool of starting pitchers to sift through next season.

1. R.A. Dickey

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2012 Stats: 17 wins, 2.63 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 190 K

It looks like there's a new ace in town. In his chase for 20 wins, R.A. Dickey is putting up Cy Young-caliber numbers.

He's been a fantastic story for the team this season. With his wicked knuckle ball and deceptive pitching style, Dickey has exactly what it takes to be the team's full-fledged ace as he's proven this season.

If all goes well, Dickey should certainly be the Mets' No.1 starter next year, no question.

Fans, let's all hope a contract extension gets done between Dickey and the Mets.

7. Conclusion

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If my predictions come true, the Mets starting rotation will look like this in 2013.

R.A. Dickey

Johan Santana

Matt Harvey

Jon Niese

Zack Wheeler

The Mets will have great diversity in their rotation. The unorthodox knuckle-baller Dickey, the wry veteran Santana, the cannon-armed Harvey, finesse pitcher Niese and lastly, the other flamethrower, Zack Wheeler.

To throw it out there, the rotation follows a pattern of righty-lefty. That will throw off a lot of teams, forcing managers to mix and match their lineups on a daily basis when facing the Mets.

This rotation isn't set in stone, but the Mets will be in good hands on the mound next season.